Local derbies galore during six-a-side cricket tournament for under 13s

THE three Sevenoaks School cricket pitches on the Solefields playing fields were the scene of some close battles on Bank Holiday Monday when 12 teams from all over Kent took part in a May Bank Holiday 6-a-side tournament for under 13s.

The event was organised by Sevenoaks-based Invicta Cricket Coaching and the five overs per innings format – with all outfield players having to bowl one over – produced some tight and exciting matches with most of them going down to the wire.

The teams were split into three groups and this saw some mini local derby games as Sevenoaks Vine had entered three teams and Holmesdale two teams.

A Vine II player trudges off after having his wicket flattened by a Kent Girls bowler.

One of the most entertaining games involved Vine II against Kent Girls. The Girls batted first and set a score of 29-2 off their five overs. In reply some excellent bowling by Lucia Philpott earned her three wickets in her one over, and with the Girls taking another quick wicket in the second over, Vine II looked in trouble.

But Harry House then produced a match winning innings that included a towering six to see his side to victory.

In the three finals for the top three places, the Vine II found themselves pitted against their first team counterparts in the Shield Final for second place.

Vine II, batting first, made 67. In reply Vine 1 got off to a good start but the run chase stuttered against some accurate bowling and they were left needing 12 off the final over. A six gave the team some hope but they couldn’t quite make the runs and the second team finished with bragging rights and the runners up trophy.

In the other finals, Castle Hill beat Gravesend in the first place final, and Kent Girls beat Kings Hill in the Trophy final to take third place on the day. The Kent Girls team spirit and approach to all their games was exemplary throughout the tournament.